Street Seat applications now accepted on a rolling deadline

Learn about Portland State University's SW 4th Ave Public Street Seat

DESIGNED by STUDENTS. BUILT by STUDENTS.

Portland, Oregon’s first downtown public street seat—was designed and built by Portland State University architecture students over a period of 18 months. The street seat was installed on SW 4th Avenue over one weekend, and on June 1, 2015.

About Street Seats

Street Seats is a program of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) that allows businesses or non-profit organizations to convert on-street parking into other public uses, such as café seating or a mini-park, also called a parklet. Based on similar programs in San Francisco and New York City, the program enlivens the streetscape by creating spaces for Portlanders to enjoy seating and a meal or a drink outdoors, which in turn enhances street vitality and benefits local businesses.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation experimented with a pilot Street Seats project in 2012. After receiving feedback from community members and business owners, the pilot was deemed a success and PBOT instituted an ongoing program in spring 2013. View an overview of the 2014 installations.

Note: At this time Street Seat applications within the downtown core (from Burnside to SW Harrison, SW 10th to SW 2nd) are not being accepted. Also, the proposed site should be located on a street with a speed limit of 30 MPH or less.

Applicants who wish to renew existing Street Seat installations will be required to complete a new application form each year. In addition, they must provide demonstration of continued community support for installation and drawings detailing any proposed design changes, if applicable.